The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bob Sweeney, a man with a degree in history and philosophy and a love of relaxing at the lake, will be its next CEO.
According to a press release, Sweeney is currently the director of corporate partnerships at the Kogod School of Business at American University, and has a "solid track record of pro-business advocacy and management for several high-profile nonprofit organizations." But let's be real here: anyone with a degree in history and philosophy and a love of relaxing at the lake is clearly qualified to lead a business advocacy group, right?
Sweeney's appointment comes after a nationwide search led by a chamber committee, which included co-chairs Gayle Whitlock and Kathie Johnson, both past-chairs of the chamber, and management and oversight from Anissa Starnes with YGM Total Resource Campaigns, LLC.
But don't worry, Sweeney won't be left to sink or swim on his own. He'll have the guidance of outgoing CEO Debbie Jones, who has been with the chamber for over 32 years and is retiring at the end of the year. Jones and Sweeney will work together in the leadership position before Jones retires on December 31st.
In his new role as CEO, Sweeney will be responsible for providing overall leadership and management to the membership, board, staff, and volunteers, as well as financial management, marketing, membership development, fundraising, and overall office operations. But let's be honest, with his history and philosophy degree and love of relaxing at the lake, we have no doubt that Sweeney will be up to the task.
When asked for comment, Sweeney said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Prince William Chamber. I feel as if my entire career trajectory has led me to this position. It has long been a goal of mine to lead a local chamber of commerce and what better place to do it than in Prince William County."
Congratulations, Bob Sweeney, on your new role as CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. We have no doubt that your history and philosophy degree and love of relaxing at the lake will serve you well in your new position.
